Has there any been any death from surgery for a cleft palate?

Yes, rare: There can be deaths from any surgical procedure; there can be adverse reactions to anesthesia, abnormal bleeding, infections etc. Fortunately such deaths are rare. You should discuss these concerns with a surgeon.

Not in my memory: And I have a very long memory. But unfortunate circumstances can occur with any surgery. Please discuss your concerns with the surgeon scheduled to do the procedure. Please know that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Cleft palate surgery, an exquisitely sophisticated procedure, can produce marvelously positive life altering results.

Cleft palate: The goals of surgery for cleft palate are to ensure the child's ability to eat, speak, hear and breathe and normal appearance. Every surgery has a possible risks include bleeding, infection or nerve damage. The post-surgical mortality rate is about 2%. R.: talk to your surgeon about risk/reward ratio.